Clan Lab Indicators & Safety Information

Since 2002 New Zealand Police have located on average 200 clandestine drug laboratories a year and 68% of these were found in residential properties that were either owned by the offenders or rented. A more disturbing fact is that Police find between 70% to 85% of these clandestine drug laboratories while carrying out other duties and not even looking for them.

Signs from outside

• Chemical odours, coming from the building, rubbish or detached buildings. The overriding odours will be those of solvents such as paint thinners and nail polish remover.
• Exhaust fans running for long period and at odd times.
• Frequent visitors to the address at odd hours.
• Windows blackened out or curtains always drawn.
• People coming outside only to smoke.
• Occupants unfriendly, appear secretive about their activities, exhibit paranoid or odd behaviour. Expensive security and surveillance gear set up around the property.
• Access denied to landlords, neighbours and other visitors.
• Rent paid in cash
• Rubbish contains a large amount of cold & flu packaging, chemical type containers, bottles and boxes with labels removed.

Signs when inside

• Laboratory glassware, equipment and documents.
• Containers with clear liquids in them with a chalky coloured solid on the bottom or similar.
• Containers with two layered liquids in them, usually one dark coloured layer and one clear or pale yellow layer.
• Used coffee filters containing either a white pasty or reddish brown substance.
• Baking dishes or similar containing white crystalline powder or substance.
• The presence of hot plates near chemicals.
• Chemical odours coming out of rooms.
• Yellowish brown staining on the walls or ceiling.

Action on discovering a Clan Lab

• Leave the area immediately, your safety is paramount
• Never touch, taste or smell any chemicals or equipment.
• Do not attempt to stop the chemical reaction.
• Do not turn any electrical devices such as lights or fans on or off. The simple act of turning on an electrical switch may cause an explosion.
• Do not shut off the water supply to the house or the chemical reaction.
• Do not smoke in or near a suspected Clandestine Laboratory.
• Do not use tools, radios, cell-phones, torches or devices that produce sparks or friction.
• Contact the NZ Police (111).
• Do not re enter the premises.

Exposure to chemicals used to make methamphetamine in Clandestine Drug Laboratories can result in:

• Headaches
• Watery or burning eyes
• Nausea
• Burning skin
• Coughing or Choking
• Pain in diaphragm
• Feeling of coldness or weakness
• Shortness of breath / dizziness
• Decrease in cognitive function, vertigo and convulsions.

Seek medical advice immediately if you experience any adverse effects linked to hazardous substance exposure.